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An Antique Gold Posy Ring

English, c.1700

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a plain yellow gold finger ring, the interior engraved “BE * TRVE * TO * THE * END”

Gauge: 3mm
Internal Diameter: 17mm
Ring size: N – US Finger Size 6 1/2

The inscription of this ring is recorded in English Posies and Posy Rings, by Dame Joan Evans, (London, 1931), pg 26.

Posy rings derive their name from the word “posy” or “Poesy” – a derivative of poetry meaning short rhyme. The rings were popular from the late medieval period onwards and were used to communicate secret messages of love between the giver and the recipient. The wearing of words against the skin was believed to increase their poignancy.